MaxillaryOvoid

Maxillary Second Premolar

Maxillary Second Premolar - Axial View showing ovoid access cavity with variable canal anatomy (Vertucci Types I-IV)

Average Length21.5 mm

Root Development14 years

Universal #4, 13

FDI #15, 25

Access Cavity Design

ShapeOvoid

OrientationBuccopalatal (slightly wider M-D than 1st PM)

Entry PointCentral sulcus of occlusal surface

Canal Anatomy

Configurations

1 canal (Vertucci Type I)56-75%

2 canals joining apically (Vertucci Type II)20-24%

2 separate canals (Vertucci Type IV)10-20%

3 canals (Vertucci Type VIII)1-2%

Canal Positions

MCMain Canal

Often band/ribbon-shaped, may appear as slot

BBuccal Canal

When 2 canals present

PPalatal Canal

When 2 canals present

Clinical Tips

⚠️

Warning

VERTUCCI CLASSIFICATION: Type I (56-75%), Type II (20-24%), Type IV (10-20%), Type VIII (1-2%) — most variable premolar

⚠️

Warning

Slot-shaped orifice = assume 2 canals (Type II or IV) until proven otherwise

🔧

Technique

Type II (2-1): Two canals merge apically into one foramen — requires careful obturation

🔧

Technique

Type IV (2-2): Two separate canals with two foramina — treat as two independent canals

💡

Tip

Accessory canals present in ~59.5% of teeth

⚠️

Warning

Same perforation risks as first premolar — anti-curvature filing toward thicker wall

Anatomical Variations

Vertucci Type II (2-1 configuration)

20-24%

Two canals originating from pulp chamber that merge into one canal before the apex with a single foramen

Access Modification: Wider buccopalatal access to locate both orifices; NaOCl bubble test at isthmus

Vertucci Type IV (2-2 configuration)

10-20%

Two separate canals from pulp chamber to apex, each with its own foramen

Access Modification: Extend access buccopalatally to achieve straight-line access to both canals